What’s happening?
Nominations have opened for the Bowen Basin Apprentice of the Year as part of National Apprenticeship Week Australia.
The new regional award, launched by SprintSuite on 10 February 2026, celebrates apprentices across mining, resources, engineering, civil construction and supporting trades in the Bowen Basin.
The award recognises more than technical skill. It highlights attitude, commitment, safety awareness and contribution to crews.
“Apprentices are the backbone of the future workforce in mining and heavy industry,” said Fredy Galindo Jnr., CEO of SprintSuite.
“This award is about recognising the effort apprentices put in every day, often behind the scenes, and giving regional communities a chance to celebrate them.”
Nominations close on 28 February 2026.
Why it matters
National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide initiative that highlights the role apprentices and trainees play in building Australia’s future workforce.
In the Bowen Basin, apprentices are critical to sustaining local industry, regional employment and long-term skills pipelines.
As skills shortages continue across heavy industry, regional awards like this aim to lift completion rates, strengthen safety culture and support more sustainable contractor businesses.
Industry leaders say recognising apprentices early in their careers can help build stronger and more stable workforces.
Local impact
For Bowen Basin employers, the award offers public recognition as a business that backs apprentices and workforce development.
For apprentices, it offers more than tools. It provides visibility and encouragement during the early stages of their careers.
Regional communities are being encouraged to take part by nominating apprentices, sharing the initiative in workplaces and supporting apprentices during National Apprenticeship Week.
Nominations can be submitted online, CLICK HERE.
By the numbers
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$5,000 worth of tools and gear will be awarded to the winner, recognising effort, attitude and on-site contribution.
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One regional award will be presented during National Apprenticeship Week, giving public recognition across the Bowen Basin.
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Nominations close 28 February 2026, giving employers, families and mates just weeks to put forward a deserving apprentice.
Zoom in
The award is open to apprentices working across mining, resources, civil construction, engineering and related trades within the Bowen Basin.
Apprentices can be nominated by employers, supervisors, workmates, friends or family members.
Assessment will focus on apprentices who consistently show:
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Strong work ethic
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Reliability and commitment
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A positive safety mindset
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Teamwork and respect on site
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A willingness to learn and develop their skills
Beyond the award, SprintSuite has launched its Apprentice Hub, a dedicated space within its platform to support apprentices throughout their careers.
The Apprentice Hub will provide:
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Practical resources for those entering mining and heavy industry
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Guidance on workplace expectations, safety and compliance
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Links to mental health support services, including TIACS
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Educational content employers can share directly with apprentices
This reflects growing recognition that apprentices need structured support, clear pathways and access to help when challenges arise.
Zoom out
The Bowen Basin plays a key role in Australia’s mining and resources sector.
Contractors and apprentices form a significant part of the regional workforce.
With ongoing skills shortages across heavy industry, workforce development has become a national focus. Programs like National Apprenticeship Week and region-specific awards are designed to support training, retention and long-term planning.
What to look for next?
The winner will be announced following the close of nominations on 28 February 2026.
Industry will be watching how initiatives like this influence apprentice engagement, retention and safety culture across the Bowen Basin.
